Kunal Kishore

Co-Founder
ClanConnect.ai

New Delhi

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“Collaboration across disciplines, continuous learning, and fostering a culture that encourages creative thinking are essential for keeping strategies fresh and impactful.”

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With an unwavering passion for transforming the landscape of PR, Kunal Kishore has spearheaded the creation of ClanConnect.ai, a tech-enabled influencer marketing venture that is revolutionizing the way brands build effective influencer marketing campaigns while servicing their PR requirements. Kishore knows the PR industry well in his other role as co-founder of Value 360, one of India’s most successful tech PR firms; his development of ClanConnect reflects not only the immense potential of influencer marketing in India, but also the existing inefficiencies and barriers hindering its full-scale adoption.

How do you define innovation?
Innovation for me is finding newer and smarter ways of doing things, which brings optimisation in time and effectiveness in execution

What is the most innovative PR or marketing initiative you've seen over the past 12 months?
Zomato - their moment marketing is brilliant

In your opinion, which brands and/or agencies are most innovative in their approach to PR and marketing?
Amul from the longest time and Zomato in the recent times

Who do you admire for his/her approach to innovation?
Senjam Raj Sekhar from MPL has very innovative approach around brand communication

How do you get out of a creativity rut?
Taking break, taking inspiration from others work from a completely different industry, collaborating with some young talents, reviewing competition and category campaigns are some of things I do to get out of the creativity rut

What advice would you give to the PR industry around embracing innovation?
Embracing innovation in the PR industry requires a multi-faceted approach that includes staying abreast of emerging trends, leveraging data analytics for targeted and personalized campaigns, and experimenting with new formats and technologies. Collaboration across disciplines, continuous learning, and fostering a culture that encourages creative thinking are essential for keeping strategies fresh and impactful. Social media and other online platforms should be fully utilized to engage audiences, while a focus on regular evaluation and iteration ensures that innovative efforts are refined for maximum effectiveness

What would you be doing if you weren't doing your current job?
Running a beach side homestay

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has provided inspiration over the past year?
Air on Prime Video: From award-winning director Ben Affleck, Air reveals the game-changing partnership between a then undiscovered Michael Jordan and Nike's fledgling basketball division which revolutionized the world of sports and culture with the Air Jordan brand

How can the PR and communications industry harness innovation to make more progress on diversity, equity and inclusion?
The PR and communications industry can harness innovation to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by using data analytics to identify gaps and measure progress. AI and VR technologies can be employed for personalized DEI training and empathy-building simulations. Additionally, sentiment analysis tools can help create inclusive messaging, while diversified influencer partnerships amplify underrepresented voices. By making DEI an integral part of their brand narrative and advocating for it among clients and the public, PR firms can drive significant and meaningful change.

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